Apple has confirmed to CNBC that is has asked Arizona Governor Jan Brewer (R) to veto the so called religious freedom bill SB 1062, which was passed along party lines in the Republican-controlled Arizona House and Senate. The bill would allow any person or company in Arizona to refuse service to anyone based on the refuser's religious beliefs.

Opponents of the bill say it would promote discrimination by allowing people to refuse to serve or do business with certain groups -- such as same-sex couples. Needless to say the bill has proved highly controversial and Apple, a company with a strong pro-civil rights history, is just the latest among big companies to ask Governor Brewer to veto the bill. Apple of course now has specific interests in Arizona. As CNBC reports:

Apple appears to be the latest firm to join other corporates urging Brewer to veto the bill, which supporters say will protect religious freedom and critics say could allow companies to use religious beliefs to discriminate against the gay and lesbian community.

The request from Apple comes as it is preparing to open a new sapphire glass manufacturing plant in Mesa, Arizona and that is expected to create more than 2,000 jobs in engineering, manufacturing and construction.

Apple confirmed to CNBC that it has asked the Arizona governor to veto the religious freedom bill. It re-issued a statement released when it announced the new plant.

Besides Apple, other corporations such as Marriott and American Airlines have asked Brewer to veto the bill. Meanwhile, the NFL has stated it reserves the right to make changes to the location of the Super Bowl next year, which is currently to be held in Arizona, if the bill passes.